WTC/CTC - does DLA affect them?

gardenia101

I've always been told by TC that my DLA award (low rate care & mobility) isn't counted as income for TC purposes & that "they didn't need to know about it".

Can I assume the reverse is true - if I stop my claim for DLA do I need to inform TC that DLA has stopped if that is the only change to my TC claim?

I'm now holding down a job (with adjustments) which has been going far better than I ever imagined :T & having spent some money on personal aids (I have visual problems) I don't feel I "need" the DLA at the moment so I'm thinking of ending my claim.

I'm also assuming that if I do end my DLA claim & my condition then worsens, the fact that I stopped claiming wouldn't be held against me if my situation changed & I was no longer able to work even with adjustments, & therefore needed to reclaim?

Anyone have any idesa? Thanks.

Icequeen99

You are right it doesn't count as income.

But if you get DLA, you may qualify for the disability element of WTC. Which means you qualify for WTC at 16 hours instead of 24 or 30 (depending on your circumstances). So if that applies to you, you must notify them and it may affect what you can claim.

I would look into that carefully.

IQ

atrixblue.-MFR-.

i would also considder if you do end up moving jobs to another employer would they class you as disabled if your not in reciept of DLA? and put in place the same adaptions for you as the last employer?

with WTC you maybe getting disability element of this and could affect your award.

gardenia101

Icequeen99 wrote: »

You are right it doesn't count as income.

But if you get DLA, you may qualify for the disability element of WTC. Which means you qualify for WTC at 16 hours instead of 24 or 30 (depending on your circumstances). So if that applies to you, you must notify them and it may affect what you can claim.

I would look into that carefully.

IQ

Thank you IQ - there is nothing on my TC award to say I'm getting the disability element of WTC so I'm assuming I don't. Wouldn't it be shown if I did qualify?

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

i would also considder if you do end up moving jobs to another employer would they class you as disabled if your not in reciept of DLA? and put in place the same adaptions for you as the last employer?

with WTC you maybe getting disability element of this and could affect your award.

That is a good point about prospective employers (although I had to jump through so many hoops to get this one I can't imagine ever leaving it :rotfl:). But you are right, it is important to consider.

That does make me wonder what may happen to all those who need adaptations for work etc. but who will be found 'not disabled enough' to qualify for any benefits. Will they still get their specialised equipment etc. funded? I imagine my employer wouldn't have taken me on if they'd had to buy my equipment themselves (& I can't honestly blame them for that either). I hope the grown ups running the country have thought of this.....

nannytone_2

has your condition improved or have you just adjusted to it?

rogerblack

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

class you as disabled if your not in reciept of DLA?

There is no real hoop you have to get through in order to be qualified as 'disabled' for the purposes of the equality legislation.
Certainly things that are well below the threshold of DLA may qualify.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347

DLA (at the lower rates) doesn't passport to nearly the same number of benefits as higher ones do.

gardenia101

nannytone wrote: »

has your condition improved or have you just adjusted to it?

It imroved in the first few months with treatment, but it was stable when I first claimed DLA (can't now remember if I had to wait for 3 or 6 months after the problem first started) & it hasn't improved or worsened since the inital improvement.

I have adjusted to my sight loss much more than I thought possible, & have bought all the "things" I need (unless it worsens). I'm also far more confident than I was last year & have learnt how to get to more places nearby so I'm far less likely to trip (unless some swine leaves something on the pavement, & boy - do I have a new hatred for dog owners who don't pick up...).

But now the nights are drawing in I'm not feeling quite so happy about being out walking, so may end up spending most of it on transport.

mazza111

I think it's only MRC and above that gets the disability element of TC.

Icequeen99

mazza111 wrote: »

I think it's only MRC and above that gets the disability element of TC.

No its any rate.

Severe disability premium needs HRC.

IQ

mazza111

hmmm you're probably right IQ. I'm probably getting mixed up with something else?